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It's the movie event of the year--and the action-packed book you've been waiting for.
Outcasts from society, the X-MEN are genetic mutants, born with superhuman powers, who harness their special abilities for the greater good. But the human race they fight to protect rejects and fears--even hates--them.
Not all mutants seek to protect mankind. One terrorist group--led by the supremely powerful Magneto--seeks to strike first. Battling against prejudice and agents of intolerance, the X-MEN must establish a peaceful coexistence between mutant and mankind or they will surely perish . . .
Outcasts from society, the X-MEN are genetic mutants, born with superhuman powers, who harness their special abilities for the greater good. But the human race they fight to protect rejects and fears--even hates--them.
Not all mutants seek to protect mankind. One terrorist group--led by the supremely powerful Magneto--seeks to strike first. Battling against prejudice and agents of intolerance, the X-MEN must establish a peaceful coexistence between mutant and mankind or they will surely perish . . .
239 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Kristine Kathryn Rusch
1,382 books726 followersKristine Kathryn Rusch is an award-winning mystery, romance, science fiction, and fantasy writer. She has written many novels under various names, including Kristine Grayson for romance, and Kris Nelscott for mystery. Her novels have made the bestseller lists –even in London– and have been published in 14 countries and 13 different languages.
Her awards range from the Ellery Queen Readers Choice Award to the John W. Campbell Award. In the past year, she has been nominated for the Hugo, the Shamus, and the Anthony Award. She is the only person in the history of the science fiction field to have won a Hugo award for editing and a Hugo award for fiction.
In addition, she's written a number of nonfiction articles over the years, with her latest being the book "A Freelancer's Survival Guide".
She has also published as:
Sandy Schofield (collaborations with husband Dean Wesley Smith)
Kristine Grayson - romances
Kathryn Wesley (collaborations with husband Dean Wesley Smith)
Kris Nelscott - mysteries
Kris Rusch - historical fiction
Kris DeLake - romances
Her awards range from the Ellery Queen Readers Choice Award to the John W. Campbell Award. In the past year, she has been nominated for the Hugo, the Shamus, and the Anthony Award. She is the only person in the history of the science fiction field to have won a Hugo award for editing and a Hugo award for fiction.
In addition, she's written a number of nonfiction articles over the years, with her latest being the book "A Freelancer's Survival Guide".
She has also published as:
Sandy Schofield (collaborations with husband Dean Wesley Smith)
Kristine Grayson - romances
Kathryn Wesley (collaborations with husband Dean Wesley Smith)
Kris Nelscott - mysteries
Kris Rusch - historical fiction
Kris DeLake - romances
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 10, 2026
This is a competent novelization of a script that was written by Christopher McQuarrie and Ed Solomon, which was of course based on characters and situations developed by Stan Lee and Chris Claremont and a host of such Merry Marvelites over the years. Their job was to translate the script into prose, not change or improve the story, and they accomplished it pretty well. There are a few lines missing and a few scenes are added, perhaps because they were given an earlier version of the script from which to work. The Logan-Jean-Scott thing is still a bit awkward, Magneto is still a little weird, but some background of some characters is added that adds to the story. 'nuff said, true believers. eXcelsior!
July 10, 2020
This is how the authors describe a young Magneto: “There was always something about metal he loved.” Really? Is that so? A mutant super villain named Magnet-o who hearts metal? That's uncanny! I wonder: did Archangel always have a thing for down pillows too?
.
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June 16, 2014
*minor edits because phone was being an idiot*
A good adaptation of the film, sometimes the writing is a bit dry\flat but overall I love it:-) Its nice too to see/hear some inner thoughts and scenes missing from the movie.
In high school, I was a bit of an outcast, kept to myself and spent all of time in the library. These people/characters resonated with me then and still do:-) I felt less alone. Whenever I felt down or frustrated back then i would pop in the movies and pretend I was saving the world with them.
Only complaint I have is the love triangle with Jean/Logan/Scott, felt it was unnecessary and didn't add anything at all... Wolverine/Storm or Wolverine/Rogue (when she was older) would've been better.
I knew people didn't understand my love for the x-men when they said this *snorts and rolls eyes* :'you only like Wolverine because he's hot' ... I'm geek, plain and simple haha.
I f I mad a mutant power, it'd probably be Telekinesis. .. or teleporting (save a ton on gas that way;-) )
A good adaptation of the film, sometimes the writing is a bit dry\flat but overall I love it:-) Its nice too to see/hear some inner thoughts and scenes missing from the movie.
In high school, I was a bit of an outcast, kept to myself and spent all of time in the library. These people/characters resonated with me then and still do:-) I felt less alone. Whenever I felt down or frustrated back then i would pop in the movies and pretend I was saving the world with them.
Only complaint I have is the love triangle with Jean/Logan/Scott, felt it was unnecessary and didn't add anything at all... Wolverine/Storm or Wolverine/Rogue (when she was older) would've been better.
I knew people didn't understand my love for the x-men when they said this *snorts and rolls eyes* :'you only like Wolverine because he's hot' ... I'm geek, plain and simple haha.
I f I mad a mutant power, it'd probably be Telekinesis. .. or teleporting (save a ton on gas that way;-) )
July 27, 2021
A very easy read, that took me no time at all to Finnish. Pretty much the movie beat for beat. There are a few additional scenes that aren’t in the film (as well as a few scenes that are written completely differently). We also get the thoughts and perspectives from characters that are completely absent in the movie. Bottom line, if you enjoyed the film and want a quick, easy read, then you will enjoy this book.
July 20, 2014
Great for a novelization. Follows the movie plot-line but fills in some of the character back-stories and thoughts in a way that movies can't without taking too long.
It allows you to spend a few more hours with characters that you like and even gain a slightly deeper understanding of their perspectives.
If you liked the movie, you'll probably like the book.
It allows you to spend a few more hours with characters that you like and even gain a slightly deeper understanding of their perspectives.
If you liked the movie, you'll probably like the book.
March 15, 2016
I loved the whole concept for the story. The characters were really interesting and their stories went in-depth into their own issues they were dealing with. The plot as a whole took on real concerns about being different and how people view one another. I thought it sent a good message.
May 20, 2024
Pretty basic for a movie novelization. Just what was in the movie outside of a couple extra scenes that didn't really change anything. Sadly, they omitted Logan's use of 'bub' during his climactic fight with Sabretooth. One of the funnest parts of the movie. And they refer to Logan's FOUR claws. I let it go thinking it was just an error but then they did it again toward the end. Glaringly wrong.
May 19, 2022
5 stars
This is the movie novelization of the 2000 film, X-Men.
This is the movie novelization of the 2000 film, X-Men.
September 21, 2019
This was a great novel, and really my first experience with the X-Men. How they all came together, and Wolverine’s story made this a great read. I liked getting to know all the different characters, learn some about their backstories, and be immersed in the universe. The conflict between Charles and Magneto, former friends, made it tense and exciting. An adventurous and just fun book.
May 13, 2015
This is actually a good novelization. The Wolverine in the book is closer to the Wolverine in the comics, much closer than the first movie's Wolverine is.
June 27, 2013
Extremely mediocre novelization of an okay movie. Readable but kind of dull ... not worth the efforts of two authors certainly.
November 14, 2018
I miss Stan Lee :(
October 18, 2024
The X-Men have emerged as iconic figures in superhero narratives, encompassing both cinematic and comic explorations. Before the advent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the genre experienced several lackluster entries. Superhero movies could not be taken seriously anymore. A notable example comes from the poorly received film "Batman & Robin (1997)," which led to a widespread perception that superhero films lacked seriousness. However, this perception was significantly altered with the release of Bryan Singer's "X-Men," which revitalized interest in the genre.
Typically, any movie not based on a novel receives a tie-in novel, and "X-Men" is one such example. The novelization of "X-Men" was written by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, author of "Star Wars: The New Rebellion (1996)." Rusch largely adheres to the movie's script, making only minor adjustments to the dialogue and scene transitions. This approach works well, suggesting that there is nothing wrong with the film itself.
One significant change I want to highlight is the exploration of Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Ororo Munroe (Storm)'s origins. In the novel's prologue, after the introduction of Magneto in Poland, we transition to the backstories of Cyclops and Storm. This shift addresses a concern I raised in my review of the film, where I expressed disappointment over the minimal development of these two crucial characters. However, this novel enriches the narrative by delving into their histories, illustrating their personal journeys, challenges, and the flaws that shape them into the heroes they become. It’s refreshing to see their character arcs fleshed out, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and evolution throughout the story.
Apart from the aforementioned changes, there is limited content to discuss within this novel, as it largely serves as a retelling of the final shooting script of the film. This mirrors my previous critique of the novelization of "The Phantom Menace." Upon reviewing both novelizations, I was notably surprised to discover that there were no significant flaws in the films themselves. If the novelizations do not identify any issues, it suggests that the films are, indeed, satisfactory. Those films accomplished a great deal.
3/4 stars.
Typically, any movie not based on a novel receives a tie-in novel, and "X-Men" is one such example. The novelization of "X-Men" was written by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, author of "Star Wars: The New Rebellion (1996)." Rusch largely adheres to the movie's script, making only minor adjustments to the dialogue and scene transitions. This approach works well, suggesting that there is nothing wrong with the film itself.
One significant change I want to highlight is the exploration of Scott Summers (Cyclops) and Ororo Munroe (Storm)'s origins. In the novel's prologue, after the introduction of Magneto in Poland, we transition to the backstories of Cyclops and Storm. This shift addresses a concern I raised in my review of the film, where I expressed disappointment over the minimal development of these two crucial characters. However, this novel enriches the narrative by delving into their histories, illustrating their personal journeys, challenges, and the flaws that shape them into the heroes they become. It’s refreshing to see their character arcs fleshed out, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and evolution throughout the story.
Apart from the aforementioned changes, there is limited content to discuss within this novel, as it largely serves as a retelling of the final shooting script of the film. This mirrors my previous critique of the novelization of "The Phantom Menace." Upon reviewing both novelizations, I was notably surprised to discover that there were no significant flaws in the films themselves. If the novelizations do not identify any issues, it suggests that the films are, indeed, satisfactory. Those films accomplished a great deal.
3/4 stars.
October 7, 2021
Ini adalah novelisasi dari film X-Men yang rilis tahun 2000. Artinya sudah dua puluh satu tahun yang lalu. Saya sendiri sudah banyak lupa seperti apa adegan-adegannya. Membaca novel ini rasanya seperti menonton film itu lagi karena novel ini memang diadaptasi dari film tersebut. Kelebihan membaca novelisasi film adalah kita berinteraksi secara "lebih intim" dengan cerita dan tokoh-tokoh di dalamnya ketimbang jika kita menonton film. Di film, adegan-adegan berlangsung cepat dan selesai sebelum kita dapat "menyerapnya", di novel kita bisa menentukan "kecepatan" kita membaca adegan.
January 5, 2023
My Instagram books review page: Bookhead_01
Mutants: the newest stage in human evolution gifted with powers that make them more powerful than normal humans. Trying to escape the persecution from humans while trying to coexist with them, Professor Xavier has created a school for mutants to come to and learn how to control their powers to benefit humanity and to fight a band of Mutants that want to conquer the world and destroy humans.
Mutants: the newest stage in human evolution gifted with powers that make them more powerful than normal humans. Trying to escape the persecution from humans while trying to coexist with them, Professor Xavier has created a school for mutants to come to and learn how to control their powers to benefit humanity and to fight a band of Mutants that want to conquer the world and destroy humans.
August 16, 2023
It's been a long time since I watched the movie, but I think this book captured it quite well.
In the beginning the characters felt very flat or superficial with their thoughts in some situations, and I disliked that a lot, but in the end it was pretty good, I think. It's a solid book, but nothing too special and I don't think it gives anything the movie doesn't give either. (But then again: It's been years, I might remember the movie very wrong.)
In the beginning the characters felt very flat or superficial with their thoughts in some situations, and I disliked that a lot, but in the end it was pretty good, I think. It's a solid book, but nothing too special and I don't think it gives anything the movie doesn't give either. (But then again: It's been years, I might remember the movie very wrong.)
April 1, 2026
Book 25 of '26 -X-men (novelization of 1st movie) by Kristine Kathryn Rusch and Dean Wesley Smith (239) - not alot of choices for "X" that I could find cheaply. Loved the movie - this was a very simplistic narration of it. Honestly it skipped over quite a bit of the sub-story surrounding Rogue at the school, and gave play by plays of all the combat scenes.... wasnt really impressed with the quality of the writing. It was like..... reading closed captioning of the movie? Meh. 4/10.
October 22, 2021
This was a super fun experience. While I greatly enjoyed the changes the actors and director made on set, seeing some of those changes with the lingering bits of the '99 script was super interesting. I've seen the movie enough times that the changes made on set are ingrained in my memory so it was fun to see the last bits of the og script that were still hanging around when the book was written.
January 2, 2026
It’s only getting three stars because of the internal monologue of magneto in the prologue. It’s 100% true to the movie. I simply read it because of the Wolverine. I’ll read the next two, but it’s not truly for me lol. However I got a copy of all three in the series for $2 each from half price so I’ll be keeping them
July 10, 2023
Like most novelizations, this book has no surprises but it flows well. The author does have a mastery of colorful and descriptive writing. I was engaged but some of the writing is quite simplistic. Still, the action is riveting and well-handled. Overall, this is a good novelization.
June 29, 2025
“Come on…I’ll take care of you”
UGHHH MY HEART
Also…
“It could be our world, Charles”
“It’s always been our world, Eric. It’s only when we lose sight of that that we imprison ourselves.”
That entire epilogue hits differently reading it compared to watching it <3
August 21, 2025
A good, retelling of the movie, with a nice amount of additional information put in. The two writers, Rusche and Dean Wesley Smith, are talented and the story moved quickly and efficiently. It didn't excite me as much as I hoped, but that's novelizations for you. They tell the story.
November 29, 2025
I loved reading this adaptation. I have not felt the bond between Logan and Rogue the same way before. It was comfortable and familiar with a few new scenes and insights that I'll probably keep coming back.
April 26, 2019
A movie novelization. Almost the same as the movie. Short, without much new words for an English language learner.
November 12, 2019
Tolerable. Has a few things the movie doesn't have. But it's fairly verbatim
June 5, 2023
Made the movie real
This book was very instrumental in clearing some of the movie’s concepts. Wish I had read it before. Have to see it again.
This book was very instrumental in clearing some of the movie’s concepts. Wish I had read it before. Have to see it again.
August 7, 2023
I was watching First Class, then I moved on to read this. Along the way, I watched Logan for the second time. I adore Wolverine out of all superhumans. I love his rage and yet his level of care.
July 13, 2025
this was a fun read.
January 31, 2026
I have been a lover of Marvel movies and everything in that multiverse. Reading it was so much more better to visualize and experience.
April 13, 2026
It was a cute little novelization of the movie. I was a bit disappointed by how similar it was to its source material (ironic I know) that I most likely will not read the others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews